Thursday, December 27, 2012

Wow! Usually A. J. gets more garbage thrown his way than A. J. Weberman on a heavy pick-up night!

The complete text of Reinsdorf’s statement:

“A.J. Pierzynski played a major role in many of the greatest moments in recent Chicago White Sox history. From reaching first base in Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series, to his double in Game 3 of the World Series in Houston, to his performance behind the plate during the 2008 “Blackout Game” division-winning 1-0 victory, A.J. was a key contributor, often in his own very unique way.

“Every White Sox fan appreciates and celebrates what A.J. meant to this organization during his time in Chicago. A.J. epitomized Chicago’s South Side through his toughness, his attitude, his flair for the dramatic and his passion for the game. He came to compete – and to win – every day.

“A.J. will forever be appreciated and remembered by White Sox fans as a very special member of this franchise. He earned that spot in our hearts. I personally wish A.J. the very best with the Rangers and with the rest of his career. I suspect U.S. Cellular Field will be one ballpark where A.J. Pierzynski will never be booed. He’s earned our cheers.”

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Every White Sox fan appreciates and celebrates what the Ligue family meant to this organization during their time in Chicago. The Ligues epitomized Chicago’s South Side through their toughness, their attitude, their flair for the dramatic and their passion for the game.

#6: I remember that play fairly well, but not perfectly. What did Eddings do wrong? I vaguely remember some thought he signaled "out"? Is that what you're referring to?

Well, for starters, he got the call wrong. Paul caught it.

Second, despite protestations to the contrary, his hand signal was very similar, if not identical, to the ones he'd made on previous strikeouts. The 8 Angels in the field had every reason to interpret his hand signal as Strike 3.

But that excuse doesn't work with Paul, however, since he couldn't have seen the gesture Eddings made (Eddings was behind him). And based on A.J.'s delayed reaction, it was obvious that Eddings' verbal reaction was not similar to previous Strike 3s. Thus, Paul should have known that there was some uncertainty on the part of Eddings (even if he himself was certain he caught the ball), and simply applied the tag, as many catchers routinely do on balls near the dirt, rather than blindly tossing the ball toward the mound.